The 6+1 Traits of Writing Model of Instruction and Assessment is a research based tool to develop high quality writing skills in our students. The writing process (i.e. pre-write, first draft, revise, edit,and publish) was taught as our main focus lessons in writing. These lessons still need to be taught, but to develop proficient writers we also need to incorporate the 6+1 traits as well. These traits empower our students with strategies that are specific to each genre and/or purpose for writing.